US EditionFifth of academics do not feel free to teach controversial topics, survey shows
- A 2024 survey of 1,234 academics revealed that one in five feel not free to teach controversial topics, especially on sex and gender.
- This issue emerges as new legal requirements, effective from August 1, mandate English universities to safeguard free speech under legislation introduced in 2023.
- The survey also found that 24% of academics fear physical attacks, with ethnic minority and female academics feeling less free to discuss sensitive subjects.
- Arif Ahmed, OfS director for free speech, said the poll is “deeply disturbing” and stressed exposure to offensive views is part of education.
- The OfS has issued detailed guidance to help universities balance academic freedom with harassment duties, signaling continued regulatory scrutiny and potential sanctions.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Almost one in four teachers refrain from teaching topics that could be controversial, a study shows. Educational consultant Maria Bjørn calls it 'five minutes of closure' if one is to maintain teaching freedom.
Associated Press News
English university students must face 'shocking' ideas in a drive to protect free speech on campus
The U.K. national regulator for higher education says students at English universities must prepare to confront ideas they find uncomfortable and shocking.
Higgs v Farmor’s School: New guide to protected belief at work - VinciWorks
What happens when an employee expresses controversial beliefs outside of work? The Court of Appeal’s ruling in Higgs v Farmor’s School has brought fresh clarity to one of the most complex areas of employment law: how far freedom of speech and belief goes in the workplace. In this landmark case, now confirmed by the Supreme Court, a school administrator was dismissed after posting gender-critical views on her private Facebook page. The court ulti…
Fifth of academics do not feel free to teach controversial topics anymore – survey
One in five academics on both sides of the political spectrum do not feel free to teach controversial topics, a survey has found as England's higher education watchdog issued guidance on how institutions can protect freedom of speech.The Office for Students (OfS) gave examples of how universities and colleges should respond to scenarios surrounding freedom of speech in its guidance published on Thursday, including around protests, investigating …
One in Five University Academics Don't Feel Free to Teach Controversial Topics
New freedom of speech guidance from the Office for Students (OfS) includes examples of how universities and colleges might best respond to a range of scenarios. The guidance is designed to help institutions navigate their duties under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act to take steps to secure freedom of speech and to have a free speech code of practice. These duties will come into force on 1 August this year. Unlawful speech is not pro…
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Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
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